At Monday night's meeting of the Douglass Township supervisors, Police Chief Barry  Templin recognized Sgt. Matthew Swavely and Highway Department Foreman McKenna Powanda for their actions in aiding an unconscious person.

            On July 19, Powanda discovered a woman in need of medical assistance and called 911.  The victim woke up after Swavely arrived on the scene.

            "Sgt. Swavely made sure the woman was fed and found a safe place to sleep that night," Powanda said.

            The board and Templin thanked both men for their quick thinking and compassion for the victim.

            Jessica Gisinger-Doran, from the Gilbertsville Area Community Ambulance Service, gave a report to the board. The organization is researching grant options for a new truck. Its budget has been reviewed by the emergency services board and township treasurer Cynthia O'Donnell.

            Chairman Joshua Stouch stated that, as the community grows, the township needs to keep an eye on the emergency services.  "Last year, emergency services were on the brink of falling off the cliff," Stouch said.

            A turnaround was effected through the combined efforts of the township, various boards and the community.

            "They are serving the community more than ever before … keep that in mind when you receive your donation letters in the mail," said Stouch.

            Douglass Township officials were requested to participate in a panel discussion at the Pennsylvania local government symposium, to be held at the Harrisburg Capitol Complex, on their Emergency Medical Services (EMS) building project

           Assistant Township Manager Andrew Duncan warned that area drivers are ignoring emergency vehicles. This increases vital response time. It can also cause other emergencies.  "Please start paying attention and yield to emergency vehicles," Duncan said.

            During the emergency services report, Duncan reported on a bomb scare at the post office. An unmarked package triggered protocols and the police and bomb squad were called. No bomb was found and the sender of the package returned to the post office the next day and stated he forgot to adhere a shipping label to the package.

            The supervisors also approved Officer Grant Ziegler's tuition reimbursement for a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice.

            Township Manager Peter Hiryak officially announced his contract/retirement agreement. April 19, 2024 will be his last working day and Aug. 2, 2024 will be his official last day.  "What will we do without you? Stouch asked.

            "Thank you for being patient with me putting this (contract) together … This is a little scary, but exciting," said Hiryak, who has served the community for more than 30 years.